"All of us have been saddened by this tragedy and as a close-knit hospital community; many of us know Dr Shakoor and have been overwhelmed by what has happened."

'Ferocious blaze'

Det Supt Rob Vinson, senior investigating officer, said earlier on Thursday: "Initial indications show that the fire appears to have taken hold in the lounge area which is at the rear of the property.

"The ferocity of the blaze has made the forensic work more challenging," he said.

No evidence of an accelerant has been found, police have said.

No evidence of an accelerant has been found at the scene of the fatal fire in Harlow

However, the investigation into the cause of the fire continues.

"We have many lines of active inquiry," said Mr Vinson, "but we really need residents and bystanders who were in the Barn Mead area as emergency crews responded and dealt with the fire to come forward urgently."

A meeting with residents has been organised for Thursday evening by police.

Mr Vinson said: "Naturally, local residents are concerned about what happened and this investigation will not end until we have exhausted every line of inquiry."

The police mobile support unit is to remain at the scene for the foreseeable future.

Harlow Council has opened a book of condolence at the town's Civic Centre.

Council leader Mark Wilkinson said: "We know how hard this tragedy has hit the local community.

"This is a time when people want to show those affected that they are thinking of them and pay their respects to those who have lost their lives."